Pregame: Final Twins series of the season begins

Blog Post by: La Velle E. Neal III

September 26, 2013 - 5:15 PM

Oswaldo Arcia is back on the field for pre-game workouts after missing two days with a sore right knee. He could be available tonight - and perhaps start a game sometime this weekend - if he's deemed healthy enough to do so.

Joe Mauer, shut down for the season, is out on the field collecting baseballs as fungoes are being hit to outfielders. He's wearing sunglasses, so the guess here is that he's concerned about sensitivity to light.

Once again, the questions before the game were about trying to finish the season strong as they prepare to play another playoff caliber team.

``I'm thinking they should want to get out there and get after it,'' Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said.

The Twins' 15 shutouts are a new club record and are tops in the American League. But the Marlins lead the NL with 18 shutouts and Atlanta is second with 17. How has Atlanta been shut out 17 times and still win the NL East???